Pet immigration: Moving your dog or cat to Singapore

If you are living overseas and are locating or relocating back to Singapore with your dog or cat, you must be mindful of all applicable veterinary regulations and follow specific procedures to ensure a smooth immigration process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to prepare you and your pet for a stress-free journey to settling down in our island city.

Step 1: Check if the breed is allowed in Singapore

Make sure your pet does not belong to these breeds that are restricted in Singapore:

Step 2: Ensure it is allowed at your place of residence

Here are the rules to keeping dogs and cats in places of residence in Singapore:

Step 3: Familiarise yourself with the conditions of entry

The Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) has classified countries of pet exportation into 4 categories based on the risk of rabies they pose. Each category comes with its own conditions of entry (including mandatory tests, vaccinations and health certifications) and customs procedures (such as what kinds of documentation to prepare, and whether quarantine is needed and for how long). It is important that you know which country category your pet is coming from and then make the necessary preparations.

Visit AVA’s website for the latest country classification and import conditions.

Step 4: Reserve a quarantine space

If your pet comes from a category C or category D country, you must then book a quarantine space for it at the Sembawang Animal Quarantine Station (SAQS) via the online Quarantine Management System (QMS) 3 to 6 months before you import your pet.

Step 5: Apply for an import license & customs permit

You must apply for these 2 items prior to the import of your pet:

• Please note that for all import of dogs, you need to obtain a dog licence before applying for an AVA import licence
• AVA import licence, which costs $50 (for normal service) & is valid for 30 days from date of approval
• A customs permit, which is generally required for importing pets into Singapore

The import of pets is subject to the payment of GST prior to their entry into Singapore. You may be eligible for GST relief on your imported pet under certain conditions. Refer to these customs procedures & requirementsfor details.

Note, however, that you must submit an online Declaration of Facts (DOF) to Singapore Customs for an assessment of your eligibility for this relief. Upon receiving their confirmation of your eligibility, you must then apply for the Customs In Non-payment GST Relief (GTR) permit within 5 days. If no GST relief is granted, you will have to apply for a Customs In-Payment (GST) permit for the clearance of your pet at the checkpoint. Alternatively, you may approach the Customs Duty Office there for assessment and payment of GST.

Step 6: Obtain a veterinary health certificate

Be sure to obtain a veterinary health certificate from an official government veterinarian in the country of export. Its format must be in accordance to that stipulated in the respective veterinary conditions of entry for your pet.

You will also need to prepare these supporting documents:

• Original vaccination records
• Original report of blood test for rabies antibody levels

Step 7: Inform AVA of your arrival

If you are travelling by air, your pet will be inspected by AVA’s Changi Animal and Plant Quarantine Station (CAPQ). If you are travelling by land, it will be through AVA’s Tuas Checkpoint. Each station has specific operating hours, so read up on them and time your pet’s arrival accordingly to avoid delays and charges.

Make an appointment for your pet pet’s inspection by submitting an online booking request via AVA’s Intelligent Food Approval & Safety Tracking System (iFAST). Submit your request at least 5 days before arrival. Pets arriving for inspections without any prior appointment will be subject to an $80 inspection fee. Please be informed that all pets arrival at Tuas Checkpoint can only be on Mondays – Saturdays between 8 to 10 am. Upon arrival, you must produce these documents for verification by an AVA officer together with your pet:

• Import licence
• Veterinary health certificate (based on the AVA format)
• Vaccination records
• Rabies serology test results
• Airline captain’s declaration (for pets coming from a category A or category B country)

If your pet needs to undergo quarantine, he or she will then be transported by AVA to SAQS. A fee of $74 applies. Otherwise, you will proceed to the checkpoint’s Customs Duty Office with your pet and customs permit (if any) for the necessary clearance.